Now I'm ready to discuss how to handle the time in between your initial conversation with the client and the first tutoring session with your new student.
1) Again, think Big Picture and think RESULTS. - What are your short- and long-term goals for this particular student? Why is his/her parent hiring you at this time? What results will the parent expect to see from their child? When parents send their children to public schools, they usually have lowered expectations because the education is free and the teachers have so many other students to work with. With tutoring, parents are shelling out hard-earned cash on a minute-by-minute basis and they want to see results. If they feel that you aren't working productively with their child, you won't last long as their tutor and your reputation will suffer. Always keep the goal mind before every session. Aim to make specific progress during each and every hour of tutoring.
2) Facilitate an Initial Meeting. - If at all possible, I'd recommend using your first session as a getting-to-know-you and goal-setting meeting with yourself, the student, and at least one of the parents. Take copious notes during this conversation. Here are some of the things you should discuss at this initial meeting:
- Clarify the parents' expectations
- Tell them a little about your lesson ideas and long-term strategies
- Outline your invoicing and payment plans
- Solicit tips for how best to work with the student's strengths and weaknesses
- Inquire about what strategies have work in the past and also which ones haven't worked
- Ask if it's OK to contact the student's teacher for additional insight and progress reports. If it is, secure the contact information and follow-through at a later time
- Ask for any materials that might be helpful for your sessions
- Ensure that the session location will be quiet and conducive to studying
- Let the parents know what you will require of them in order to maximize the effectiveness of your work
- Clarify whether you should assign homework in addition to the homework the student will already have from regular school
